Alfonso I of Asturias

Alfonso I of Asturias (693-757) was the third king of Asturias from 739 to 757, succeeding Favila of Asturias and preceding Fruela I of Asturias. He was one of the most important leaders of the Reconquista, conquering Galicia and Leon from the Moors and leading his armies as far south as La Rioja.

Biography
Alfonso was the son of Duke Petro of Asturias de Santillana, and was a member of the Christian Visigothic House of de Cantabria. Alfonso married Ermesinda, the daughter of Pelayo of Asturias, who was the first king of Asturias. Alfonso succeeded his brother-in-law Favila of Asturias as king upon his death in 739, and he began a lifelong war against the Moors. In 740 he conquered Galicia and seized Leon in 754, going as far as La Rioja. The Christians of the newly-conquered regions mainly fled north, depopulating a new buffer zone between the Christians and Muslims that became known as the "Desert of the Duero". The rulers of Asturias became known as the "Beni-Alfons" by the Muslims, meaning "Children of Alfonso". He died in 757, and was succeeded by Fruela I of Asturias.